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HB2589 • 2026
Addressing encampments at institutions of higher education.
This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.
Using official source text because the generated explanation was unavailable or could not be confirmed against the official bill text.
Higher ed.
First reading, referred to Postsecondary Education & Workforce.
Higher ed. encampments
AN ACT Relating to encampments at institutions of higher 1 education; and adding a new section to chapter 28B.10 RCW.2 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:3 NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 28B.10 4 RCW to read as follows: 5 (1) No person or organization may use an institution of higher 6 education's campus to camp, except as provided in subsection (2) of 7 this section. 8 (2) An individual or organization wishing to establish an 9 encampment on an institution of higher education's campus shall 10 notify the institution 21 days prior to the establishment of the 11 encampment. Only registered student organizations in good standing or 12 recognized bargaining units may request authorization for and take 13 part in encampments under this subsection. An institution may 14 authorize or deny the encampment request based on the time, place, or 15 manner of the encampment in a content-neutral process to prevent 16 disruption to education and other institutional activities. Any 17 permitted encampment must serve an academic purpose.18 (3) If an individual or organization violates an institution of 19 higher education's policies on encampments, a representative from the 20 institution shall: 21 H-3016.1 HOUSE BILL 2589 State of Washington 69th Legislature 2026 Regular Session By Representative Leavitt Read first time 01/20/26. Referred to Committee on Postsecondary Education & Workforce. p. 1 HB 2589 (a) Direct the individual or organization to immediately 1 dismantle the encampment and vacate the institution's campus;2 (b) Inform the individual or organization that any individual who 3 fails to comply with the direction is guilty of criminal trespass;4 (c) Report the trespass to local law enforcement to begin legal 5 action and have the individual or organization removed from the 6 campus; and 7 (d) Initiate disciplinary action against any student who refuses 8 to comply with the direction to dismantle the encampment and vacate 9 the campus according to the institution's student code of conduct.10 (4) A law enforcement agency, peace officer, or institutional 11 campus security may remove an encampment and any individual or 12 organization from the campus who has violated the prohibition on 13 encampments and refuses to comply with the direction to leave 14 described in this section, in accordance with local laws and 15 ordinances. 16 (5) An individual is liable for all damages caused by their 17 unauthorized encampment, including the direct and indirect costs of:18 (a) Removing the encampment and restoring the campus; and19 (b) Repairing any destruction, defacement, or alteration of the 20 institution's property that results from the individual's intentional 21 or negligent conduct relating to the encampment. 22 (6) Institutions of higher education shall adopt rules to 23 implement this section. 24 (7) For purposes of this section: 25 (a) "Encampment" means a temporary shelter, including tents and 26 outdoor encampments, that is installed on the campus of any 27 institution of higher education; and 28 (b) "Institution of higher education" has the same meaning as in 29 RCW 28B.92.030. 30 --- END --- p. 2 HB 2589